Hi, I am about to sign a lease with my current roommate from the dorms, we are moving to an apartment starting in June just off campus. The apartment complex only has us sign 1 lease per apartment, but having both our names on it. However, the terms of the lease state that if more than one resident resides in the apartment, and one leaves for whatever reason, the remaining resident is responsible for the remainder of the rent, as well as the rest of the terms of the lease. My question is: Is there something that I can have both my roommate and I sign that is a legally binding contract stating that if one of us were to leave, for whatever reason, the other would still be responsible for their portion of the rent through the end of the term of the lease? I.e. they pay rent, or sublease to someone. I appreciate the help!

Answer:
If both of your names are on the lease and you both sign it you have a legally binding contract right there. You of course will still be responsible to the landlord but you can take him to court and with lease you’ll prove his liability for half of the rent and recover it that way. If he leaves and you eventually find a new roommate, he will only be liable for the months in which you were living on your own.